(LAGRANGE) - Parkview LaGrange Hospital is offering free suicide prevention training to the community throughout the year.

Trainers from the hospital will teach QPR, which stands for question, persuade and refer. The goal of QPR classes is to save lives by providing innovative, practical and proven suicide prevention training. Just like CPR training, QPR is an emergency response to someone in crisis.

Any adult can learn QPR in a few hours and become prepared to recognize the signs of someone at risk of suicide, offer hope and connect that person to the care needed.

Dr. Rhonda Sharp with Parkview Physicians Group Family Medicine says just as CPR helps save thousands during a cardiovascular emergency each year, those trained in QPR know how to recognize the warning signs of a mental health crisis and save lives during a mental health emergency. Sharp says they want the public to have the tools they need to respond when a friend, family member, co-worker or anyone else they know needs help.

Classes will be held beginning next Tuesday, January 18 and running though December, from 2:30 to 4:30 PM each month. There will also be two classes on Saturday, March 5 and August 20 from 9 until 11 AM. Each session is a stand alone class. Participants need only to take one class to obtain the necessary training.

The first class will be held virtually, and the decision to hold future classes in person or virtually will be made on a class by class basis. You must be 18 or older to attend the class.

Registration is required at least three days prior to the preferred training date, and capacity is limited. To register, go on line. Click Here. For additional information about the virtual sessions, or to inquire about training for small groups, call 260-463-9270.